THE State and Federal governments have abandoned public transport in Mandurah, according to Canning Labor candidate Barry Winmar.

Mr Winmar was supported by Mandurah MLA David Templeman and Rockingham MLA Mark McGowan in a doorstop interview at Mandurah train station.

He reiterated Federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten’s earlier undertaking that 300 additional car bays at the train station would be partly funded should Labor win government.

“Anyone who uses the train station knows that by 8am you can not find a parking bay and it makes it very difficult for any senior who wants to catch a train after 9am,’’ he said.

Mr McGowan re-announced the Metronet commitment to build a train station north of Mandurah at Karnup.

He said it was a significant project that would help bring local employment and ease the burden on the Peel region’s only station.

Mr Templeman said the Royalties for Regions program could fund a portion of the much-needed project.

“I have been calling for a second station for many years and only Labor will deliver the infrastructure the Peel region needs,’’ he said.

Canning MHR Andrew Hastie said he had spent a lot of time at the Mandurah station talking to commuters about their needs.

“There is no doubt better public transport is needed in the Peel region, whether it be a train station at Lakelands or a regular bus service between Mandurah and towns like Waroona and Pinjarra,’’ he said.

“While public transport is ultimately a matter for state governments, the Coalition acknowledges it is an issue that affects everyone.

“That is why we have developed the Smart Cities Plan framework to help create more liveable and accessible regional cities.”